Early 2019 NFL Draft Prospect Top 50 Rankings

The 2018 NFL Draft is still fresh in everyone’s minds, but the work has already begun by pro scouts and analysts alike for the 2019 edition. In looking at Athlon Sports’ early top 50 prospects for the 2019 NFL Draft, two things jump out right away – it’s heavy on defensive players and there are quite a few Clemson Tigers.

Clemson, which has been a College Football Playoff participant each of the past three seasons and won the national title a year ago, leads the way with seven players in the top 50. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is the No. 1 overall prospect with fellow linemen Christian Wilkins and Clelin Ferrell joining him in the top 10. Defending national champion Alabama is well represented with four players, followed by Miami, Ohio State and Wisconsin with three each.

In 2017, our No. 1 prospect a year out was USC quarterback Sam Darnold, who went third overall to the New York Jets this past Thursday. Looking ahead to the 2019 draft, the first skill position player is Ole Miss wide receiver A.J. Brown (above, right), who is ranked ninth. Missouri’s Drew Lock is the first quarterback on this list, checking in at No. 14. Of the top 20, 13 are defensive or offensive linemen.

There’s no question this list will change, especially once college football returns this fall. However, don’t be surprised to hear plenty of these names when the 2019 NFL Draft gets started next April 25.

Early 2019 NFL Draft Prospect Top 50 Rankings

Rank	Name	Position	School	Year
1	Dexter Lawrence	DT		Jr.
2	Rashan Gary	DE		Jr.
3	Ed Oliver	DT		Jr.
4	Nick Bosa	DE		Jr.
5	Christian Wilkins	DT		Sr.
6	Andraez Williams	CB		So.
7	Clelin Ferrell	DE		Jr.
8	Jonah Williams	OT		Jr.
9	A.J. Brown	WR		Jr.
10	Greg Little	OT		Jr.
11	Raekwon Davis	DT		Jr.
12	Trey Adams	OT		Sr.
13	Damien Harris	RB		Sr.
14	Drew Lock	QB		Sr.
15	Devin White	LB		Jr.
16	Jarrett Stidham	QB		Jr.
17	Mitch Hyatt	OT		Sr.
18	Jeffery Simmons	DT		Jr.
19	Martez Ivey	OT		Sr.
20	Travis Homer	RB		Jr.
21	Taylor Rapp	S		Jr.
22	Shea Patterson	QB		Jr.
23	T.J. Edwards	ILB		Sr.
24	Austin Bryant	DE		Sr.
25	Joe Jackson	DE		Jr.
26	Chauncey Gardner	S		Jr.
27	Bryce Love	RB		Sr.
28	Jaquan Johnson	S		Sr.
29	Dre'Mont Jones	DT		Jr.
30	Trayvon Mullen	CB		Jr.
31	Michael Deiter	OT		Sr.
32	Marlon Davidson	DE		Jr.
33	Cameron Smith	ILB		Sr.
34	Mark Gilbert	CB		Jr.
35	Isaiah Buggs	DE		Sr.
36	Ryan Finley	QB		Sr.
37	Corbin Kaufusi	DE		Sr.
38	Collin Johnson	WR		Jr.
39	Nick Fitzgerald	QB		Sr.
40	Deandre Baker	CB		Sr.
41	Isaac Nauta	TE		Jr.
42	Brian Burns	DE		Jr.
43	Josh Allen	LB		Sr.
44	Jerry Tillery	DT		Sr.
45	Clayton Thorson	QB		Sr.
46	Kaden Smith	TE		Jr.
47	Parris Campbell	WR		Sr.
48	Zach Allen	DE		Sr.
49	David Edwards	OT		Jr.
50	Kelly Bryant	QB		Sr.